SukkahPDX offers modern twists on Jewish tradition

After the joy of the New Year and the solemnity of Yom Kippur, the Jewish calendar turns to Sukkot, the Hebrew word often translated as "booths." During this festival, Jews are called to build temporary shelters outdoors as the Israelites did in the wilderness centuries ago. The idea is to remember and trust in God's protection.

, a curated collection of modern takes on traditional sukkahs, which according to custom must be fragile and permeable to the elements. Six 21st-century sukkahs will be erected in the parking lot of the museum, 1953 NW Kearney St., and a week of special activities is planned in conjunction with the exhibit.

Five jurors chose sukkah designs by Norah Wendl and Jeremy Hanson of Portland; Drew Hastings and Erin Hastings of Portland and Jessica Snyder of Stanford, Calif.; Joseph Brin of Philadelphia, Bruce Rips of Seattle, Carol Stampfer of Portland and Yuichi Tada of Los Angeles; Boax Frankel and Blakely Dadson of Portland; and Jake LaChapelle, Elizabeth Suarez, Jennifer Jessee and Gerald Brennan of Nelligan White Architects in New York City.

The week of activities includes programs on organic foods, the housing crisis, a young adult Shabbat dinner and a celebration of Sukkot's Bounty, with live music and local food vendors. For a complete

Admission to the sukkahs themselves is free during museum hours and visitors are invited to bring their lunches and eat in the temporary shelters. The Oregon Jewish Museum is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.